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Jessica Mlinaric and Geoffrey Baer with bicycles at the Illinois-Indiana State Line Boundary Marker
Chicago

Exploring Chicago Mysteries with WTTW

Explore three Chicago mysteries with me and Geoffrey Baer!

Author Jessica Mlinaric in Chicago
Chicago

Chicago Scavenger Featured in the Chicago Tribune

Jessica Mlinaric walks down Chicago's wood block alley
Architecture

Secret Spot: Chicago’s Wood Block Alley

Big Freedia in Millennium Park
Chicago, Culture, Music

Big Freedia Got Millennium Park Bouncing

by Jessica Mlinaric / July 14, 2023January 7, 2025

The Queen Diva served acrobatic feats and New Orleans energy.

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Bughouse Square Chicago
Chicago, Culture, Secret Spot

Secret Spot: The Radical History of Chicago’s Bughouse Square

by Jessica Mlinaric / July 10, 2023July 17, 2023

This park was a haven for Chicago’s socialists, atheists, and eccentrics.

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Congo Square in New Orleans
Culture, Music, New Orleans

Exploring the Birthplace of Jazz in Congo Square

by Jessica Mlinaric / July 4, 2023January 7, 2025

We hear the influence of Congo Square’s rhythm around the world.

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Solar Spotlight Pyramid in Bronzeville
Chicago

Secret Chicago Printable Calendar – July 2023

by Jessica Mlinaric / July 1, 2023July 3, 2023

Download a free printable calendar for July 2023 featuring one of Chicago’s hidden gems.

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Wavves at Metro Chicago
Chicago, Culture, Music

Review: Metro Barely Contains the Raucous Sounds of Cloud Nothings and Wavves

by Jessica Mlinaric / June 20, 2023January 7, 2025

Music fans packed Metro for a night of raucous indie rock.

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Chicago, Culture, Music

Claudia Cassidy Theater Reopens with a Shoegaze Show

by Jessica Mlinaric / June 6, 2023January 7, 2025

Lightfoils, Panda Riot, Pink Frost, played a free shoegaze concert.

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Eleanor Boathouse in Bridgeport Chicago
Chicago

Secret Chicago Printable Calendar – June 2023

by Jessica Mlinaric / June 1, 2023June 5, 2023

Download a free printable calendar for June 2023 featuring one of Chicago’s hidden gems.

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Trash Unreal by Arthur Hollback
Cleveland, Culture

Trash Unreal Brings a Weird, Inclusive Drag Party to Cleveland

by Jessica Mlinaric / May 31, 2023June 10, 2023

Trash Unreal created a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community.

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Loyola Dune in Chicago
Chicago

Secret Chicago Printable Calendar – May 2023

by Jessica Mlinaric / May 1, 2023June 5, 2023

Download a free printable calendar for May 2023 featuring one of Chicago’s hidden gems.

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University of Chicago Botany Pond
Architecture, Chicago

Secret Chicago Printable Calendar – April 2023

by Jessica Mlinaric / April 1, 2023March 19, 2023

Download a free printable calendar for April 2023 featuring one of Chicago’s hidden gems.

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About Me

Urban Explorer is a travel blog highlighting history, culture, and hidden gems to inspire curious travelers by Jessica Mlinaric, author of 'Secret Chicago' and 'Chicago Scavenger.'
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Newsletter



Buy My Books

Chicago Scavenger book by Jessica Mlinaric
Secret Chicago book by Jessica Mlinaric

Instagram

Secret Spots

  • The Secret Chicago book launch party was held at the Drifter
    Discover the Drifter Chicago: A Historic Speakeasy Hidden in River North
    April 15, 2025
  • How Chicago Became the Birthplace of Gospel Music: Inside Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church
    January 14, 2025
  • Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville
    A Hidden Elevator and More Secrets at Asheville’s Omni Grove Park Inn
    January 8, 2025

Media Appearances

  • Jessica Mlinaric and Geoffrey Baer with bicycles at the Illinois-Indiana State Line Boundary Marker
    Exploring Chicago Mysteries with WTTW
    April 23, 2024
  • Downtown Chicago view from Bank of America Tower
    Swapping Chicago Favorites with Peter Greenberg
    February 26, 2022
  • Author Jessica Mlinaric at Oak Woods Cemetery
    Touring Chicago’s Mass Grave with WGN Morning News
    November 16, 2020

Travel Guides

  • Knoxville, TN in spring
    The Big Ears Festival Guide to Knoxville, TN
    March 2, 2025
  • Walls of Ston, Croatia
    How to Spend One Day in Ston, Croatia
    February 11, 2025
  • Sheep at Black Thorn Farms in Asheville
    Two Days in Asheville, North Carolina: Experience Arts, Brews, and Mountain Views
    January 10, 2025
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